Nights of the Jack, illuminated jack-o-lanterns in more than 20 theme installations, at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. (Photo courtesy of Nights of the Jack)

There’s always something fascinating to do in the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. Here is a sampling of entertainments this week and also save-the-date events to put on your calendar.

Villany or H.H. Holmes’ Own Story: A horror play by John Strysik based on the activities of an American serial killer in the late 1800s, 8 p.m. Oct. 24, 31 and Nov. 7. Tickets $25. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. www.whitefiretheatre.com; bit.ly/2ClnpqH

The Dogs Pond: A play by Travis G. Baker about a man who gathers his war veteran brother and uncle and three other men for a weekend of fun but unexpectedly releases long-held pent-up emotions. Minimum age 14. Show runs 7 p.m. Oct. 20-21 and 27-28. Tickets $21.69. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. www.whitefiretheatre.com

The Boys Next Door: A dramedy by Tom Griffin about four disabled men who live together in an apartment, their supervising social worker and how they all cope with the ups and downs of life. Cast includes actors from Create Reflect Empower Outreach’s Theatre Arts as Therapy Programs. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 10. No show on Oct. 21. Tickets $15. The Blue Door, 9617 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 310-425-8215. creoutreach.org

The Rescued: A play by Marya Mazor about moving on in life despite being haunted by a harrowing past. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 11. Tickets $34; $15 seniors and students. Road Theatre on Magnolia, in the NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-761-8838. www.roadtheatre.org

Fire in a Dark House: A play by Traci Mariano and Mona Z. Smith about a couple and community who are challenged by an anti-immigrant campaign, based on true events during World War I. Minimum recommended age 13. Show runs 8 p.m. Thursday through Nov. 15. Tickets $35; $25 seniors and students. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 800-838-3006. fireinadarkhouse.bpt.me

West Ranch Wildcat Classic: High school bands from the Santa Clarita Valley and around the region perform in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Marching Band Competition, 3-10 p.m. Oct. 20. Tickets $10. Valencia High School, football stadium, 27801 Dickason Drive, Valencia. www.westranchmusic.com

Rumpelstil: The Berlin-based group performs a family-friendly concert that requires flashlight participation from the audience, 6 p.m. Oct. 20. Concert is trilingual: English, German and Spanish. Free but a ticket from the website is required. Bring a flashlight. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. 844-524-7335. www.lagreektheatre.com

San Fernando Valley Master Chorale: “Lord Have Mercy – A Cry for Help in a Time of Need!” concert with music by Fauré, Moses Hogan spirituals, Mozart and a new composition “Isaiah Said” by the chorale’s composer-in-residence Sergio Barer, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Tickets $20; $15 seniors and students. First Presbyterian Church of Encino, 4963 Balboa Blvd. 818-606-3493. www.sfvmc.com; sfvmc-lordhavemercy.brownpapertickets.com

Holly Andres is a news editorial assistant and calendar editor for the Los Angeles Daily News. After traveling down a wrong path or two, she found her work destiny when she was hired in 1997. She enjoys putting together calendar listings because she believes that events bring people together for memorable shared experiences and exchange of ideas. Her calendars include arts and entertainment, charity/volunteer, community meetings, general events, garden and religion. She also puts together specialty calendars for events like Fourth of July fireworks. Holly is a night owl who likes to eat breakfast for dinner, reads mystery novels, loves cloudy/rainy days and solves crossword puzzles. Her favorite movies include Enchanted April and Green Card. She has breathed the air of the San Fernando Valley since she was, like, 2-years-old.

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